These 9 Golf Collectibles Are Our Favorite Items for Memorable Rounds
We recently learned of a golf collector who came across a trove of ball markers…tens of thousands to be exact. These little trinkets are a mainstay of the golf collectibles world, fascinating players and memorabilia hunters alike with their dual purpose of function and feature.
Ball markers aren’t the only curiosities people collect from their golfing adventures. From logo balls to golf pencils, many golfers are avid collectors of memorabilia that help them remember rounds at bucket list golf courses or signature achievements on the course, like a hole in one. And the nice thing about these collectibles is their price point (a welcome respite from greens fees that can get quite high at some of the more desirable courses).
So it got us thinking about the best golf collectibles that people can target for creating a long lasting memorabilia collection, without too much stress on the wallet. Read on!
Golf Bag Tags
Bag tags are an ultimate flex for golfers with access and means to travel. Play some of the higher end clubs and private courses in the world, and you’ll find one of them affixed to your golf bag made on the spot with your name. Imagine playing Pine Valley or even a posh all-inclusive golf resort and getting one of these; you aren’t just going to throw it away right? That’s why these unique identifiers are a prized collectible and make for a beautiful golf bag tag display in your home or office.
Golf Pencils
Ah, the humble golf pencil. Powerhouse of the golf junk drawer, hero to the carpenter, and gracious companion to youngsters riding along with their parents. They also make for really cool collectibles, and they don’t cost you a thing! This is one item that you’ll want to hang on to if you want to start a golf collection. There’s really nothing else like them and they are visually distinctive with their diverse fonts and colors. Put them in a golf pencil display rack and create a conversation starter anywhere in your home!
Matchbooks
Matchbooks are not the sole province of golf collectors, as restaurants and bars have made the collection of matchbooks a pursuit of many in the general population. As smoking in general goes the way of the dodo bird, matchbook collecting may not be a thing of the future but it’s certainly not a thing of the past. Besides, you never know when a book of matches can come in handy, and if you just happen to have one from a signature golf course then what could be better? While they look great in a glass bowl or glove compartment, we particularly like what Good Boy Originals does to turn these simple freebies into stunning, high end art.
If you’ve got a collection of golf matchbooks (or any random trinkets), A.J. Voelpel from GoodBoyOriginals.com can transform them into stunning, high end art photography.
Poker Chips
At some point in recent history, someone thought it would be a good idea to use a poker chip as a ball marker. Regardless of the nonsensical usage of a literal obstruction to mark your ball on the green, they’re a cool combination of poker and sport. While they have no utility as a ball marker, they’re still a preferred chotskie for golf bachelor parties and pro shops alike, so people enjoy collecting them. Since they’re larger than a traditional (and appropriate) flat ball marker, they can feature more intricate designs and logos, making them stand out in a poker chip golf ball marker display.
Divot Tools
Anyone who appreciates golf etiquette knows that fixing your divots is not an option. And unless you're a skilled golfer or regular caddy, using a tee is suboptimal, especially considering many courses provide free divot tools in the pro shop. While those are often a cheap plastic version, many shops carry a more handsome and sturdy metal version with attractive coloring and useful features like magnetic ball marks and clips for your pocket. If you want a slightly nicer golf collectible than a pencil or logo ball but don’t want to break the bank, these are a great option and look amazing in a golf divot tool display.
Yardage Books and Scorecards
What can tell the story of a round of golf better than a scorecard or yardage book? While you’ll likely remember your best shots for years to come, it can be harder to remember the entire course. And if you just happened to shoot a particularly low number, featuring that achievement in a scorecard display frame or photo album can keep those vibes alive forever. Even if your ultimate number is one you want to forget forever, it's worth hanging onto a clean card or yardage book especially if the course you just played hosts a professional golf tournament. It can be a really neat experience to compare your yardages against the setup the pros must endure; you’ll be shocked at how much more distance a course can add when the tournament comes to town.
Golf Logo Balls
These are the most popular of the golf collectibles, and for good reason! Every logo tells a story, and there’s nothing more synonymous with golf than the ball we chase around the course. Found in nearly every pro shop, from the humblest muni to the most prestigious tracks in the world, logo golf balls are the collectible of choice for avid golfers. They present extremely well too, when organized in a golf ball display case or featured in other custom setups.
Golf Ball Markers
The inspiration for this story, golf ball markers have been a collectors item for many golfers since the dawn of time. Well, modern golfing times at least. Even in the earliest days of golf, players would use coins or even small rocks to mark their balls. But where there is room for improvement, innovators find a way to make improvements and today we have beautifully ornate and highly functional ball markers to keep greens tidy for our playing partners. From magnetic hat clip ball markers to ones that clip conveniently to your golf glove, these little coins can be found at your favorite course and are a great way to document your golfing travels.
So there you have it: nine golf collectibles you can find at nearly every course you play, and that won’t cost more than your already expensive round! If you’re thinking about starting a golf collection, check out the handcrafted, high quality displays made by our friends at Great Golf Memories. They’ve been in business since 2003 and specialize in giving your great golf memories the treatment they deserve!